Office of Internal Communications
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January 31, 2008 AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER CHARLES
BURNETT The University of Houston has invited to campus renowned writers,
activists and filmmakers who will commemorate the contributions
made by African Americans in recognition of Black History Month.
The events are sponsored by the African American Studies Program,
the Council of Ethnic Organizations and the Urban Experience
Program at UH. Kicking off the campus celebration is Charles Burnett, considered
to be one of the nation’s greatest African-American filmmakers. He will discuss “Killer
of Sheep,” which has been nationally preserved as a landmark
in black cinema, and his other films at noon, Feb. 1 in Agnes
Arnold Hall, Room 633. On Feb. 5, Linda James Myers, author of “Understanding
an Afrocentric World View: Introduction to an Optimal Psychology,” will
talk about her ideas of African deep thought at 10 a.m. in
Agnes Arnold Hall, Room 628. Twenty-five-year-old M.K. Asante Jr., a man the Philadelphia Inquirer called “A rare, remarkable talent who brings to mind the great artists of the Harlem Renaissance,” will give a lecture/screening titled, “Artivism, By Any Medium Necessary” at 4 p.m., Feb. 25 in the Rockwell Pavilion. The Urban Experience Program (UEP) will observe Black History Month with the Houston premiere of the award-winning documentary “Prince Among Slaves” at 6 p.m., Feb. 2 at the Cullen Performance Hall. The documentary tells the inspiring story of Abdul-Rahman Ibrahima Sori, a West African prince who was captured in 1788 and sold into slavery in the South. Tickets are free, but donations will be accepted. A portion
of the proceeds will help fund scholarships at UEP, an initiative
that addresses the needs of underrepresented students. Black History Month was the brainchild of Carter G. Woodson, the son of former slaves. Woodson, who earned a doctorate from Harvard University, established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915. A year later, he created the “Journal of Negro History.” In 1926, he launched Negro History Week to bring national attention to the historic contributions of blacks throughout American history.
John-Michael Haines
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